Moments that come during a game define the sport. Cricket is no different. All it takes is a single moment to win a game, to clinch a World Cup, to become an unsung hero, and to break millions of hearts. 2023 was no different. Some created history, and some of them rewrote history. Some empires continued rising to the top, some fell on the floor within a moment. It was not an easy task to point out the exact top 10 moments of Cricket in 2023 so, in this article, we'll look at the 10 iconic moments of Indian Cricket in 2023.

Also Read: Most International Runs in 2023

Sachin Tendulkar's record of 49 ODI centuries was not an easy one to break. Everyone thought it was impossible except the Master Blaster himself and the King of Cricket, Virat Kohli. The Delhi boy kept breaking records by scoring runs, smashing centuries, and winning plenty of matches for India. The day finally arrived when he broke the 49 ODI Centuries record by scoring the 50th ODI Century.

On November 15, during the ICC Cricket World Cup semi-final at Wankhede against New Zealand, Virat became the first player to smash 50 ODI centuries, achieving this feat in front of his idol, who was clapping for him in joy and pride in the audience.

Virat did not forget that he was a kid growing up on Sachin's heroics on the field, acknowledging the Master Blaster's claps with a bow which is not just an iconic moment of 2023 but surely go down as one of the top iconic moments in the history of Cricket.

ICT Fans enjoy the moment 😍 pic.twitter.com/iWUqnk4XMd

— 𝕂𝕠𝕙𝕝𝕚𝕊𝕥𝕒𝕟 🇮🇳 (@bholistan) November 15, 2023

The Final of the Asia Cup 2023 was played between India and Sri Lanka in Colombo on September 17. The pacer's spell of 6/21 in seven overs destroyed the Lankan team completely and bundled them out for just 50 in 15.2 overs. Siraj took the whole match away from Sri Lanka during the powerplay, reducing them to 12/6 at one point. India then went on to win the match by 10 wickets and claimed their eighth Asia Cup title.

Team India broke the record for the biggest victory (by runs) in ODIs as they defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs in the third and final match of the ODI series in Thiruvananthapuram. India broke New Zealand's record (by 290 runs) to script history at the Greenfield Stadium. After batting first, India scored a mammoth total of 390/5 in fifty overs and then bowled out Sri Lanka in only 22 overs, at a total of 73.

Virat Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 166 off just 110 deliveries, hitting 13 fours and eight sixes. The 24-year-old Shubman Gill had also smashed a brilliant 116 off just 97 deliveries.

Shubman Gill had his breakthrough year in international cricket where he scored 2,154 runs in 48 matches with an average of 46.82 and finishes the calendar year with the most international runs in 2023 across all formats.

Gill's best knock came during India's ODI match against New Zealand in Hyderabad on January 18, when he scored 208 runs from 149 balls. He became the youngest batter to score a double century in ODIs.

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and KKR created history on December 19, 2023, during the IPL 2024 auction. He became the most expensive player in the tournament's history after being signed for Rs 24.75 crore by the Kolkata Knight Riders. It could have been the 2024 auction but is included in the list because the auction was held in 2023.

The IPL 2023 had a fairytale ending as he hit the 10 runs required in the final two balls to win Chennai Super Kings (CSK) its fifth title. Jadeja struck a four in the last delivery to seal a five-wicket victory for Chennai in the final.

Among the ones who rushed to Jadeja following this win was Dhoni, who could not even score a run in the final. With tears in his eyes, Dhoni lifted Jadeja in the air which is surely one of the most iconic moments of Indian Cricket in 2023.

Yashasvi Jaiswal made his Test debut for India against the West Indies in Roseau on July 12, and in his first inning, the 22-year-old scored 171 runs. He became the 17th Indian batter to score a century on debut. He also became the fifth youngest batter to score a 150 on Test debut at 21 years and 196 days of age at the beginning of the Test.

Rinku Singh produced a sensational performance for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the side's 2023 Indian Premier League game against Gujarat Titans. He smashed five successive sixes when the side needed 28 to win off the last five balls. Yash Dayal was at the receiving end as Kolkata Knight Riders registered an unbelievable three-wicket victory over the defending Champions in Ahmedabad.

In a thrilling final, MI, the most successful IPL franchise in men's cricket, secured its first-ever WPL title beating Delhi Capitals by seven wickets. Harmanpreet Kaur led her side to the inaugural WPL title. MI clinched winning streaks of five matches and then three, with two losses in the middle, to claim the title. They were the favourites and ultimately, delivered in the right moment.

Australia played out a draw in the final Test in Ahmedabad but India took the series 2-1 and won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the fourth successive time. India qualified for the World Test Championship final where they faced Australia at The Oval but unfortunately, India lost the final.

West Indies just registered their lowest test score in their history after registering only 27 in the fourth innings of the third West Indies vs Australia test in Kingston. While chasing only 204 in the last inning of the test match, West Indies were bundled out for 27 after Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland ran through them. 

For the West Indies, only Justin Greaves could reach the double-figure (11) mark. 7 of 11 batters of the West Indies team were dismissed for ducks.

Australia started the inning on a fiery note, with Mitchell Starc taking three wickets in the first over. He then went on to break the record for the fastest five-wicket haul in a test inning as he reached the landmark in just 15 balls. West Indies once were 6 for 11, but a small partnership from Alzarri Joseph and Justin Greaves helped them reach 26.

But from 26/6, Scott Boland took a hat-trick to reduce them to 26/9. Mitchell Starc then wrapped up the inning with his sixth wicket as he finished with a bowling figure of 7.3-4-9-6. 

What is the lowest test score in history?

New Zealand in 1955 registered the lowest test score in history when they were bundled for only 26 in the third inning against Australia in Auckland. Bert Sutcliffe could only reach the double-figure mark (11) for the Kiwis. 

Frank Tyson started the attack for Australia, taking the first two wickets. But it was Brian Statham and Bob Appleyard who finished the job for the team from down under. Statham returned with 9-3-9-3 while Appleyard had the bowling figure of 6-3-7-4. 

Although New Zealand had played 27 overs to score those 26 runs. They lost the test match by an innings and 20 runs.

10 lowest test scores in test cricket

Along with New Zealand in 1995 and the West Indies in 2025, South Africa features in the top five of the lowest test scores in test cricket. 

In 1896, South Africa were bundled for 30 against England in Gqeberha, which was the lowest test score for nearly 59 years.

South Africa again matched their record when England bowled them out for 30 again, this time in Birmingham in 1924. In 1899 and 1932, South Africa registered 35 and 36, respectively, against England and Australia.

Then comes India's 36 all-out against Australia in 2020 in Adelaide. India comes on the list again with their 42 against England in 1974 at Lord's. 

However, before all of these, Australia had the record for the lowest test score, before New Zealand broke the record. In 1888, Australia were bundled out for 42 against England at their own turf in Sydney. 

Indian batters have showcased an impressive six-hitting record in the history of test cricket, etching their names among the big hitters around the world. It represents not just power, but a fearless approach in the longest format.

Some of India's most celebrated cricketers have taken this record for most sixes in tests to another level, having smashed an unparalleled number of sixes. Focusing on the current standings, Rishabh Pant is the one name growing rapidly to the top, surpassing Dhoni's record.

Find out who hit the most sixes for India in tests, and how close Pant is to claiming the top spot.

Read Also: Most sixes in a Test innings

Most sixes for India in Tests

1. Virender Sehwag | 90 sixes

The former Indian cricketer, Virender Sehwag, has hit the most sixes for India in tests. His six-hitting approach was defined by a dominant mindset, where he would take on a bowler in the very first over if he wanted.

Sehwag smashed 90 sixes for India in test format, spanning from 2001 to 2013. This came across 103 test matches (178 innings) and has been unmatched over a decade.

2. Rishabh Pant | 88 sixes

Rishabh Pant has rapidly climbed up in the elite list of six-hitters, recently levelling up Rohit Sharma's numbers with 88 sixes in tests. He also became the player with most sixes (36 sixes) against England in tests, surpassing Viv Richards' record.

Pant's immense power and confidence in the format is really exciting to watch. He is only 3 big hits away from surpassing Sehwag and becoming the player with most sixes for India in tests.

He reached to this spot in just 46 matches (80 innings), which shows how he is capable of taking this record to the highest level with his one-handed flicks, aggressive sweeps, and powerful pulls.

Read Also: Indian players to record two hundreds in a Test match

3. Rohit Sharma | 88 sixes

Rohit Sharma put an end to his test career with an astounding 88 sixes for India in 67 matches (116 innings). From his test debut as a middle-order batsman to transitioning into one of the best test openers for India, he kept his big-hitting prowess alive throughout.

Sharma's ability to read lengths early and deliver the ball effortlessly to the stands was phenomenal. Given that he holds the record for the most international sixes across all formats, his position within his nation's top 5 in Test cricket is certainly not a surprise.

Read Also: Who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record?

4. MS Dhoni | 78 sixes

MS Dhoni holds the 4th spot for most sixes for India in tests, having 78 sixes across 90 matches (144 innings). Renowned for his "helicopter shot," which delivered the ball soaring over long-on or mid-wicket, his strength lay in his powerful forearms and lower body.

Dhoni often converted decent deliveries into maximums, in order to shift the pressure at crucial times for India.

5. Ravindra Jadeja | 73 sixes

Being the only all-rounder in the list of most sixes for India in tests, Ravindra Jadeja, with 73 sixes to his name, needs to be given the appreciation he truly deserves. He achieved those numbers in only 83 matches (123 innings).

Jadeja is the second player, after Pant, to have an ongoing test career among the Top 5, which indicates his potential to surpass Dhoni's record. Considering his current pace, the day he breaks records and climbs higher on the list doesn't seem far off.

Read Also: Latest ICC Test player rankings update: Featuring new No.1 and Shubman Gill's historic Top 10 debut

Most Sixes for India in Tests (Top 20)

The World Test Championship was started in 2019 to make Test cricket interesting. The Championship has changed the way Test Cricket is being played. Though England has shown their aggressive brand of cricket, which has taken the world by storm, but failed to win the title.

South Africa are the current winner of the ICC World Test Championship. New Zealand and Australia have won the World Test Championships in the first two editions, while India played the final on both occasions.

Joe Root, the former test captain of England till now has scored the test centuries in the World Test Championship.

Here are the players with the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship.

1. Joe Root | 19

England's Joe Root has the most Test centuries in the World Test Championship. So far, he has scored 19 centuries in 122 innings of 67 matches. Root is also the batsman who has scored the most runs in this tournament, with 5756 runs at an average of 51.85.

His best knock came against India in 2021 when he scored 228 in Chennai to help his side win the game. 

Read Also: Fav four in cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith overall stats

2. Steven Smith | 13

Australia's Steve Smith has now scored the most test centuries in the World Test Championship. The Aussie top-order batter has been one of the best test batters of this generation and has scored runs all around the world.

Smith is known for his unorthodox and yet effective batting style, which keeps on annoying the opponent's bowling lineups.

Till now in WTC, Steve Smith has scored 4225 runs at an outstanding average of 50.29, including 13 test centuries.

Read Also | Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

3. Marnus Labuschagne | 11

Australia's Marnus Labuschagne has scored 11 centuries in his Test career, and all have been scored in the World Test Championship. In 53 matches, he has scored 4225 runs at an average of 48.01 during the Test Championship.

Marnus used to have his test average over 50. However, a recent dip in form, which also led to him being dropped from the test side as well, brought his batting average down. 

Still, he is the batter with the second-most test centuries and third-most runs in WTC history so far. 

4. Kane Williamson | 11

Kane Williamson has batted amazingly in the World Test Championship. He has played only 28 matches so far in this tournament, but has managed to score 11 centuries in his 50 innings. 

Williamson has the best average (61.34) among the batsmen who have scored at least 2000 runs in the World Test Championship. During the Test match versus South Africa, the former Kiwi skipper scored two tons in the same game. 

Williamson, with 33 test centuries, is the batter with third most test centuries among active batters. 

5. Rohit Sharma | 9

Former Indian test captain Rohit Sharma is the only Indian batter included in the 'most Test centuries in the World Test Championship' list.

Before retiring from the format, Rohit played 40 matches during the Test Championship since 2019. In his 69 innings, he has scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries with his bat.

With 2716 runs in the World Test Championship in just 40 Tests, Rohit is the highest scorer for India in WTC history so far, with an average is 41.15. Rohit Sharma's all of 9 test tons in WTC came in winning cause for India. 

Also Read: Most Test Hundreds for India since 2021

6. Babar Azam | 8

The former Pakistan skipper has scored 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle. Babar Azam is the sixth in the list of batters with most test centuries in WTC history.

In 36 matches, he has also scored 2998 runs at an average of 48.35 during the Test Championship.

The 29-year-old isn’t in the greatest of form currently, but on his day, Babar Azam is a delight to watch.

One of his most memorable knocks came against Australia in Karachi in 2022. Babar scored 196 while chasing a huge total in the 4th inning of the game.

7. Harry Brook | 8

Currently, the ICC No.1 Men's test batter, Harry Brook, comes at number seven on our list of players with most test centuries in the World Test Championship. 

The English youngster has just played 24 test matches during the WTC cycles and has scored 8 centuries so far. 

Apart from Joe Root, he has been the shining armour of the English batting lineup in the last two seasons. Brook, till now, has scored 2234 test runs in WTC at an average of 55.85, with an outstanding strike rate of 83.54, the highest in WTC history. 

Read Also | Top 10 Underrated Cricketers Who Can Surprise You in 2025

8. Dhananjaya de Silva | 8

Sri Lanka's Dhananjaya De Silva might be one of the surprising names on this list.

The Sri Lanka captain has been one of the best batters for his country despite lacking support from the other end, most of the time.

So far, he has scored 8 centuries in 62 innings of 35 matches. Dhananjaya also scored 2509 runs, with an average of 44.80, during the Test Championship. Dhananjaya is also one of the active players with the most test centuries currently. 

9. Travis Head | 8

Travis Head, the swashbuckling left-handed batter, has also scored 8 test tons during the World Test Championship cycle. The Aussie batter is one of the most dangerous middle-order batters in the world at the moment in test cricket. 

Till now, in 51 matches in WTC, Head has scored 3264 runs at an average of 40.80, with a strike-rate of 72.85. Head also scored 15 fifties during the World Test Championship. 

Head's 7 out of 8 test tons during the WTC came in a winning cause for Australia.

Read Also | Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

10. Usman Khawaja | 8

Australian opener Usman Khawaja has hit 8 centuries during the World Test Championship cycle.

In 42 matches, he has scored 3251 runs at an average of 45.78. The Southpaw batter is a treat to watch when he is in song and has restored his career with some outstanding scores for the current WTC champions.

He was also the second-highest-scoring batsman in the 2021–2023 WTC cycle with 1,621 runs, the highest by an Australian batsman.

Also Read: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

11. Shubman Gill | 8

Before starting his tenure as the captain of the Indian men's test cricket team, Shubman Gill was nowhere on this list of batters with most test hundreds in WTC history. 

Read Also | Every record Shubman Gill broke during the ENG vs IND, 2nd test at Edgbaston

But as he wore the blazer of the Indian team, he was a different beast. In the first two tests as captain, he hit three centuries, which also had a highest score of 269, the highest by any Indian test captain. 

Till now, in 35 tests in WTC, Gill has scored 2494 runs at an average of 42.27, including 8 test tons. 

The battle of supremacy in Test centuries has come a long way in cricket history. Some early established test records, defined by batting greatness, are nearly impossible to imagine being surpassed. The record for most test centuries in cricket history is one of them.

This prestigious list consists of legendary batters around the globe who have shaped the golden era of test cricket with their run-scoring consistency and centuries.

Discover the complete list of players with the most test centuries in cricket history and embrace their legacies.

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History

1. Sachin Tendulkar (IND) | 51 centuries

The 'Little Master' Sachin Tendulkar stands right at the top with 51 test centuries in his career, spanning from 1989 to 2013. His career was a saga of brilliance against every bowling attack in every condition.

From being the youngest Indian to score a Test century at the age of 17 years and 109 days in 1990, to ending up having the most test centuries in cricket history, Tendulkar has achieved it all!

He has consistently scored tons, becoming the first and only player to ever cross the fifty-mark in test centuries. These numbers let us believe that maybe some records can never be broken.

Read Also: Youngest Indian cricketers to score an international century

2. Jacques Kallis (SA) | 45 centuries

The legendary all-rounder, Jacques Kallis, graced the longest format from 1995 to 2013, amassing 45 test centuries. He is the only South African to feature at the top of this list and to have scored more than 30 test centuries.

Apart from personal milestones, his hundreds were often foundational blocks for South Africa's innings in the game. He provided the key balance the team needed, contributing to secure a win or draw.

3. Ricky Ponting (AUS) | 41 centuries

Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, led Australia through a golden era, scoring 41 centuries between 1995 to 2012. Known for his aggressive yet classy style, he thrived especially in big matches, putting the opposition under pressure.

One of the memorable moments in his century collection is the twin centuries during his 100th test match against South Africa in Sydney. This came in 2006, where Ponting scored back-to-back 120 and 142* in two innings.

He is the 3rd batter to go 40+ in the list of most test centuries in cricket history.

Read Also: Most Test Runs in Cricket History (Men's)

4. Kumar Sangakkara (SL) | 38 centuries

The Sri Lankan batting maestro, Kumar Sangakkara, is a perfect example of elegance and power blended together. His ability to score big placed him in the top 5 of most test centuries in cricket history.

Sangakkara scored 38 test centuries from 2000 to 2015. One of his defining moments in his career was his 287 runs against South Africa in 2006. This knock was a part of the record-breaking partnership of 624 runs with his teammate, Mahela Jayawardene.

5. Joe Root (ENG) | 37 centuries

England's highest scorer in tests, Joe Root, has scored 37 test centuries so far, with his flourishing career still ongoing. He has scored the most number of hundreds for his nation and is just one century away from equaling Sangakkara's record.

He reached his 37th test century in 2025 against India, during the 3rd test of their series. Root is currently the World's No. 2 in the ICC Test batter rankings, and the only player in the top 5 of this list who has not yet retired.

Root's fiery form is a clear indication of him soaring higher in all charts of test cricket records, setting the standards for generations to come.

Read Also: Most Test Centuries for England

Most Test Centuries in Cricket History (TOP 20)

37th Test hundred for Joe Root 💯

He is now the batter with 5th most test centuries in cricket history!

Is he the greatest test batter of this generation? #JoeRoot #ENGvIND #ENGvsIND pic.twitter.com/VpUrK064Yg

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) July 11, 2025

Here's the tabular breakdown of the Top 20 players having the most test centuries in cricket history, featuring 6 players from Australia, 4 from India, and several other cricketing nations.

The Nation England has produced some extraordinary Batsmen in Cricket. They have impressed Cricket fans from all over the world with their achievements and glory. The test is considered the Best Format in Cricket. England has & had some players who are the best among many in the world of Test Cricket. Sir Jack Hobbs is considered the Best Test Batsman for England in Tests. He has scored 5410 runs in just 102 innings with 15 centuries and 28 half-centuries.

In recent times of greats, Joe Root has proven himself one of the greatest if not the greatest for England in Test Format as he has every right due to his achievements. Now, Let's give a look at the list of the Top 5 Batsmen with the most test centuries for England.

Read Also: Most International Hundreds among Active Players

Top 5 Batsmen with the Most Test Centuries for England:

1. Joe Root | 37 Centuries

England batter Joe Root has written his name in the history books for England in Test Format by bringing up his 37th Test hundred on the second day of the third Test between England and India at Lord’s. It was also his third consecutive Test century at the venue. Moreover, he also overtook Graham Gooch as the highest run-scorer at Lord's in international cricket. 

Root made his debut in 2012 against team India and since then he has played 156* test matches. He has scored 13,219 runs with an average of 50.84.

2. Alastair Cook | 33 Centuries

Alastair Cook was one of the greats in Test Cricket of his generation. He made his debut against India in 2006 for the national team in Test Cricket. Cook played 161 Test matches in which he batted 291 innings. He scored 12,472 runs with an average of 45.35. His highest score was 294 and he made 33 centuries and 57 half-centuries for his team. Cook played his last Test Match against India in 2018.

3. Kevin Pietersen | 23 Centuries

Kevin Pietersen has proved himself across every format for England. He made his Test debut in 2005 against the Australian side at Lords. Pietersen played 104 test matches, in which he scored 8181 runs with an average of 47.29. He played his last test match against Australia in 2014. Kevin Pietersen is third on the list with 23 Centuries.

4. Wally Hammond | 22 Centuries

The judgment of cricket history is that the greatest batsmen the game has known are - WG Grace, Jack Hobbs, Walter Hammond, and Don Bradman. Others may come close indeed to those four but do not quite take place with them. Hammond made his test debut against South Africa in 1927. He played 85 test matches and scored 7249 runs with an average of 58.45. He is 4th on the list with 22 test centuries. The Great Walter Hammond played his last Test match against New Zealand in 1947.

5. Colin Cowdrey | 22 Centuries

Colin Cowdrey mostly known as Michael Cowdrey played Cricket for 21 years, One of the most durable batsmen in the history of Test Cricket. Cowdrey made his test debut in 1954 against the Aussies and played 114 matches, scoring 7624 runs with an average of 44.06. He is 5th on the list with the same no as Wally Hammond, 22 centuries. Michael Cowdrey played his last test match in 1975 against the Australian side.

Top 10 Players with the Most Centuries in Test Cricket for England: